James Paul Clarke

For the Canadian composer, see James P. Clarke (composer).

James Paul Clarke
18th Governor of Arkansas
In office 1895–1897
Preceded by	William Meade Fishback
Succeeded by	Daniel Webster Jones
United States Senator from Arkansas
In office 1903–1916
Preceded by	James K. Jones
Succeeded by	William F. Kirby
Personal details
Born	August 18, 1854 Yazoo City, Mississippi
Died	October 1, 1916(1916-10-01) (aged 62) Little Rock, Arkansas
Resting place	Oakland Cemetery
Political party	Democratic
Alma mater	University of Virginia
Profession	Lawyer

James Paul Clarke (August 18, 1854– October 1, 1916) was a United States Senator and the 18th Governor of Arkansas.

James Paul Clarke was born in Yazoo City, Mississippi. Clarke attended public schools as well as Tutwilder's Academy in Greenbrier, Alabama. He graduated with a law degree at the University of Virginia in 1878. He was admitted to the bar in 1879 and practiced law at Helena, Arkansas.

Clarke served as a member of the Arkansas House of Representatives from 1886 to 1888. He became a member of the Arkansas Senate from 1888 to 1892, and served as president of the Senate in 1891.

James Paul Clarke

Clarke was elected Attorney General of Arkansas and served from 1892 to 1894. He served as Governor of Arkansas from 1895 to 1896. His term was largely unsuccessful and his legislation to end prizefighting and establish four year terms for state officers both failed. After leaving office in 1897, he moved his permanent residence to Little Rock, Arkansas and practiced law.

Clarke was elected to the United States Senate in 1903 and served until his death in 1916. He served as President pro tempore of the United States Senate during the Sixty-third and Sixty-fourth Congresses.

Clarke died in Little Rock, Arkansas. He is buried at Oakland Cemetery in Little Rock. Clarke's statue is one of two statues presented by the State of Arkansas to the National Statuary Hall Collection at the United States Capitol.

Quote

• "A politician thinks of the next election; a statesman of the next generation."

External links

• Encyclopedia of Arkansas History & Culture entry: James Paul Clarke
• Biography at the National Governors Association
• James Paul Clarke at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress

Political offices
Preceded by William Meade Fishback	Governor of Arkansas 1895– 1897	Succeeded by Daniel Webster Jones
Preceded by Rotating pro tems	President pro tempore of the United States Senate March 13, 1913–October 1, 1916	Succeeded by Willard Saulsbury, Jr.